Is dry or wet food better for Labradors

Best Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers: A Complete Guide

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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best dog food for Labradors.

As a Lab owner, you want to ensure your Labrador Retriever gets the best nutrition possible. With so many options in the market, choosing the right dog food can be tough. But dont worry; weve got you covered. Our team of experts has extensively researched to find the best dog food for Labrador Retrievers. So, if you want to provide your furry friend with the best nutrition, keep reading!

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Best Dog Food For Labrador At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog food for Labradors.

You can click this link to go to the reviews, but we encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision about picking the best Labrador dog food.

Why You Should Trust Us

171

hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dogs experience, competitive analysis and more.

30

dog food manufacturing companies were under consideration for the top ten.

5

experts opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings.

Labrador dog food health & nutritional needs

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What Is The Best Food For Labradors?

Providing your Labrador with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Labrador, its important to understand how food affects their well-being.

Labrador is a medium to large breed with distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Labrador should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:

• Health
• Activity level
• Age
• Weight (size)

Food & Labrador Health

Generally, Labradors are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns.

Although certain health issues that Labrador may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as their diet. To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, its essential to provide Labradors with a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Some of the most common health issues faced by Labrador include the following:

• Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Labrador. This occurs when the immune system of some dogs identifies a specific protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredients in their diet as foreign and reacts to it as if it were a harmful substance. Food allergies in Labradors may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. Its important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
• Joint problems. Labs may suffer from joint problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia, which affect the hip or elbow joints, causing pain and immobility. Osteochondritis and dissecans are also common.
• Obesity. Labs love eating and are prone to obesity and bloat, which can lead to health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues.
• Exercise-induced collapse. This is a condition where the dog experiences weakness or collapse after intense exercise or excitement. It is most commonly seen in Labrador Retrievers and related breeds.
• Bloat. Labs may suffer from bloat, a life-threatening condition characterized by the twisting of the stomach, which can cause symptoms such as an enlarged tummy, pacing and restlessness, and trying to vomit, but nothing comes out.
• Heart disease. Heart disease is common in older dogs and can display fatigue, coughing, lack of appetite, swollen abdomen, breathing difficulty, and weight loss. Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) is a common health issue in Labradors, which is present from birth and mainly affects male dogs.
• Eye problems. Labs may develop various eye problems, including Canine Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and retinal dysplasia, which can cause blindness.
• Cancer. Labs are particularly susceptible to Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), which affects the bones and can cause pain, lameness, and fractures. Another type of cancer that affects Labs is Lymphoma which lymphatic system and can cause symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
• Ear infections. Their ear hang down loosely which can trap moisture and wax, leading to inflammation and infection.

Food & Labrador Activity Level

The relationship between food and Labrador Retriever activity level is significant, as the amount and type of food they consume can significantly impact their energy levels and overall activity.

If a Labrador Retriever consumes too much food, particularly food that is high in calories and low in nutrients. In that case, they may become overweight or obese, leading to a decreased activity level. This is because excess weight can put additional strain on their joints and make it difficult for them to move around comfortably.

On the other hand, if a Labrador Retriever does not consume enough food or consumes food that is not high enough in nutrients, it may not have the energy they need to be active and engaged. This can lead to lethargy, fatigue, and a lack of interest in exercise or play.

Therefore, Labrador Retriever owners need to choose high-quality dog food that supports their activity level. It is also essential to monitor and adjust their food intake as needed to maintain a healthy weight and activity level.

Food & Labrador Age

Labradors have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life, and providing them with a diet that meets these needs is essential for their overall health and well-being.

• Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Labrador puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage.
• Adult Labradors. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs.
• Senior Labradors. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health.

Labrador-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For

Here are the desirable characteristics of Labrador dog food.

• Avoid common allergens.Labrador often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your Labrador dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef.
• Probiotics. Labradors can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Labradors inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
• Digestibility: Labradors can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
• Joint health. Look for dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help improve joint health and reduce the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia.
• Weight management. Since Labs are prone to obesity, choose a dog food low in calories and fat. Look for labels that state the food is formulated for weight management or reduced calorie intake.
• Exercise recovery. After exercise, Labs may experience exercise-induced collapse. To help with recovery, choose dog food containing adequate protein and carbohydrate levels to support muscle repair and energy replenishment.
• Eye health. To maintain healthy eyesight, choose a dog food rich in vitamin A, essential for good vision. Also, look for dog food that contains antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help prevent cataracts and other eye problems.
• Bloat prevention. To reduce the risk of bloat, choose a dog food that contains small, easily digestible kibble. Also, avoid feeding your dog large meals all at once and instead feed them several smaller meals throughout the day.
• Heart health. To support heart health, choose a dog food that contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. Also, avoid dog food that contains excessive amounts of sodium, which can increase blood pressure and stress the heart.
• Antioxidants: Labs are prone to cancers. Ensure their food have antioxidants help prevent cell damage and can reduce the risk of cancer. Look for dog foods that contain high levels of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. Highly processed kibble has been linked to cancer in dogs. Look for dog foods that are minimally processed.

Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Labradors

• AAFCO approved
• High-quality protein as the first ingredient
• Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
• Made in the USA
• Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
• Your dogs preferences

Keep in mind that every Labrador has specific dietary needs. Seeking advice from a veterinarian can assist you in selecting the best food that meets your Labradors requirements.

The best dog food for Labradors reviewed

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Best Labrador Dog Food

Here are Canine Bibles top picks for the best dog food for Labrador.

Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCOs nutrient guidelines, Labradors exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Labrador food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.

Best Overall Dog Food For Labradors The Farmers Dog

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Farmers Dog wins the spot for the best dog food for Labrador. This brand stands out because they use human-grade ingredients to create recipes that are portioned and delivered straight to your door. Feeding your dog fresh food like The Farmers Dog offers many research-backed health benefits, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Its also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Labrador dog food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained. This means that your Labrador will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The Farmers Dog stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but The Farmers Dog takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs. You can tell them about your dogs food allergies, tear stain issues, bad breath, joint problems and more and they will cook and personalize your dogs meals to meet your pets needs.

Key Features

• Vet-designed. All recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
• Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
• Excellent ingredient sourcing. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

Our Video Review

Best Dry Dog Food For Labrador Spot & Tango

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Spot & Tango Unkibbledog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Labrador. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Unkibble is less processed and has half the cost of fresh dog food. Think of Unkibble as freshly homemade dog food with the convince of kibble without the nasty preservatives, additives, and cheap fillers. Its perfect for Labrador because its been formulated to surpass the specific nutritional requirements of most dry dog foods.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

UnKibble recipes are gently dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. Some recipes use organ meats, one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give your dog. In fact, entrails contain as many (or more) vitamins, minerals and other valuable nutrients as lean muscle meat.

Key Features

• 100% human-grade. Real ingredients
• Simple, limited ingredients. Use radically simple recipes ideal for a picky eater or dog with food allergies.
• Superherbs. Boosted with super herbs for join, immunity, digestive support and more

What We Like & Dont Like

Our Video Review

Best Labrador Puppy Food Open Farm

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Labrador. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Labrador puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula is designed specifically for Labrador puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.

Key Features

• Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
• Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.

What We Like & Dont Like

Our Video Review

Cheapest Dog Food For Labradors Blue Buffalo

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Labradors. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Labrador pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Blue Buffalos exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dogs immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.

Key Features

• Omegas.This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
• Muscle support.L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
• Bone and joint health.It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.

What We Like & Dont Like

Best Food For Senior Labradors Orijen

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Labrador is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If youre concerned about keeping your Labrador healthy during his older years, Orijin Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. Its crafted specifically for your senior Labrador to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

With rich inclusions of a whole prey diet, ORIJEN dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.

Key Features

• Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note rw in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, notrawfood.
• Bones and joint support.Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.

What We Like Dont Like

Raw Food For Labradors Instinct

Why We Picked & Recommended It

As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, its essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Labradors, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Labrador a complete BARF diet. Its minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.

What We Like Dont Like

Best Food For Labradors With Sensitive Stomach Hills

Why We Picked & Recommended It

If you are looking for the best food for Labradors with sensitive stomachs Hills Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. Its made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Labradors.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.

Key Features

• Omega-6.Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dogs skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
• Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach

What We Like Dont Like

Best Food For Labradors With Allergies Royal Canin

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Whether your Labrador suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Labrador. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. Its also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.

Key Features

• Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
• Supports GI health. Contains a special blend of fibers and prebiotics.

What We Like Dont Like

Best Grain-Free Food For Labradors Open Farm

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Does your Labrador dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farms grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Labradors nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Its made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.

Key Features

• 100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
• Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
• Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats

What We Like Dont Like

Best Wet Dog Food For Labradors JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are you looking for the best-wet food for Labradors? JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite choice. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Pantry Fresh uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserves the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health problems including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.

Key Features

• Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
• Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
• Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak packaging make it easy to store and travel with.

What We Like Dont Like

Other Best Dog Food For Labradors

• Best dehydrated dog food for Labradors. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Labradors to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
• Best food topper for Labrador. Portland Pet Food Company Human offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dogs kibble meals.
• Best health-specific custom diets food for Labradors. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Labrador has a medical need for a restricted diet.
• Best Labrador dog food to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Labrador needs to lose weight.
• Best Labrador dog food to gain weight. With 484caloriesper cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is ideal for helping your Labrador gain lean muscle mass.

Calories, transition & other food tips.

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Labrador Food Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Labrador usually weighs between 65 and 80 pounds, meaning most Labradors need between 1241 and 1449 calories daily. You can use our dog caloriecalculatorto find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

How to Switch Labrador Dog Food

If you decide to switch your Labradors dog food to a new dog formula, its advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:

• Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
• Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 4: 100% new food

Pro tip: Never change your dogs food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Labrador seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.

Health Dietary Changes In Labradors

If your Labrador is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.

Best Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right dog food for your Labrador Retriever is essential to ensure optimal health and well-being. From our research and analysis, we recommend choosing high-quality dog food with premium ingredients and a balanced nutritional profile. Remember to check the label for the AAFCO statement, which indicates that the food meets the minimum nutrient requirements for dogs. Dont forget to consult your veterinarian before changing your dogs diet.

Your dogs diet is not something you should take lightly. Its a crucial aspect of their health and well-being, and the wrong food could have serious consequences. Thats why we urge you to take action today and choose high-quality dog food for your Labrador Retriever. Please dont wait until its too late to make a change.

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